Loud and unusual noises are more than a mild annoyance. They indicate one or more broken or worn parts or reveal your system is on its last leg. A whistling or hissing noise means the unit is overheating and, if left alone, will cause the entire system to deteriorate. Residents usually alleviate this concern by clearing debris out of the ducts and washing the filters free of trapped pollutants.

Unfortunately, more gets stuck between the mechanics of your heater than dust and other pollutants. If you live in an area with a lot of humidity or moisture in the air, the unit collects and condenses it in the drain pan. Prevent this by emptying your drain pan and replacing your filters each season.

Dealing with frosty indoor temperatures doesn’t always indicate a broken heater. Sometimes, specific rooms or certain corners of a given room will not blend in with the overall temperature of the rest of your home. Cold spots, although sometimes originating from a drafty window or a lengthy distance from the heat source, may also indicate an HVAC issue.